Pearl Gallery Blog

Our last example of pearls from other molluscs is the scallop pearl. Like abalone, conch and melo melo pearls, these are not cultured and are unusual finds. Finding a good example of a scallop pearl is incredibly unusual, and only a large, healthy scallop can produce a large, beautiful pearl. These are very unusual, with a good find occurring in one in 10,000 – 50,000 scallops.

We know pearls to be from oysters, with different types of pearls coming from different areas, or different species of oyster. These are the nacreous, beautiful pearls that we're accustomed to, but there are other animals that produce pearls too. These are far rarer and not cultured by pearl farmers. A pearl is defined as being made of, or coated with nacre. These two examples of other types of pearl are non-nacreous, and are often described as porcelaneous instead.

Pearls are typically associated with femininity and beauty, but pearl jewellery really isn't just for women. True, a Hanadama pearl necklace might be the perfect gift for a woman, but a Tahitian pearl pendant is perfect for anyone. Pearls on men can look stylish and masculine, and can be in the form of necklaces, bracelets, dress shirt studs or the most popular option of cufflinks.

Abalone pearls are the most colourful of all pearls, and can be anything in the range of blues, greens, purples, silvers, pinks or a combination of all of them. Abalone shell jewellery is commonplace, and sold around the world, but the pearls that they produce are incredibly rare.

As we've seen, pearls are beautiful, unique and elegant. Before cultivation they were only available to the royal and the wealthy, kept as treasures and worn as status symbols. Nowadays, pearls are much more readily available, they are sophisticated and fashionable, and can be worn by anyone.

Since their discovery centuries ago, pearls have always been thought to hold medicinal properties. Although many of the uses for them have now been discredited, they are still used in some modern medicines.

Pearls are one of the few precious stones in the world that can come naturally in a variety of colours, and its colour is one of the unique characteristics of a pearl that makes them so desirable. Although the traditional and popular image of a pearl is one that is white, this doesn't mean that pearls of other colours aren't popular and beautiful in their own right.

Pearl is one of the birthstones of June. Believed to be a symbol of purity, ancient Greeks believed that pearls were hardened tears of joy from the goddess of love, Aphrodite. It is also associated with loyalty, faithfulness, friendship and purity. Traditionally, the pearl was thought to have healing properties and was used to enhance personal integrity.

Pearls are nearly always processed in some way nowadays. After harvest, white pearls are bleached to improve their colour and all pearls are polished so that they look their best. A pearl treatment is altering the pearl's appearance in any way other than polishing.

Pearl necklaces are the classic pearl jewellery, worn for centuries by wealthy women as a status symbol. They are typically strands of Akoya pearls, but Freshwater, Tahitian and South Sea pearls are also used. A traditional pearl necklace consists of large, round, white pearls, but the more modern necklaces exhibit different colours, shapes and sizes.

Nexus Pearls are one of the UK's leading importers of Cultured Pearls, stocking a full range of all types of pearls, jewellery and clasps, and we also offer a full in-house pearl rethreading and repair service. For more information, or to become a stockist of our pearl ranges, please get in touch.

Retail Enquiries:

We are a trade only supplier, and retail enquiries should be directed to one of our stockists in your area. Please email stockists@nexuspearls.co.uk with your requirements and location and we will put you in touch with a pearl retailer that will suit you.